Remick files for AP council election

AVON PARK - Jonathan Remick has filed to run for a seat on the Avon Park City Council, stating he believes the city needs to be more open.

Remick will challenge incumbent Park Sutherland who is seeking reelection to a second three-year term on the council.

Mayor Sharon Schuler also has a challenger in her reelection bid. Retired Avon Park Police sergeant and current city code enforcement officer Greg "Bubba" Warner is running for mayor.

Qualifying for the Nov. 5 election ended at 5 p.m., Friday.

Remick, who grew up in Lake Placid, said he has been working in Avon Park for about three years and has lived in the city for about one and a half years.

He faulted the city council for voting down a proposed resolution that would have required items for the council agenda to be submitted at least seven days prior to the council meeting.

This leaves city council members and other city employees under prepared for some of the meetings if something gets "sprung up" on the agenda, Remick said. "It kind of leaves citizens of the town with no notice to actually show up at meetings if they spring them on the agenda at the last minute."

He believes there is very little transparency at city hall.

"I see a city hall that is closing doors when people are asking them to install new windows instead," Remick said. "Things seem to be closing more and more every meeting and every day."

Remick works at Gunsmoke, a Main Street firearms and hunting store.

Voter registration books will remain open until Oct. 7.

Questions about voter registration and absentee ballots should be directed to the Highlands County Supervisor of Elections Office at (863) 402-6655.